Semtech has introduced a 224 Gbps-per-lane analog IC family aimed at linear optics interconnects, spanning half-retimed (LRO), Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO), eXternal Pluggable Optics (XPO), Near-Packaged Optics (NPO), and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) use cases. The company is targeting 800G, 1.6T, and 3.2T optical modules and engines used in AI/ML clusters, hyperscale data centers, and cloud networks.
The devices are described as CEI-224G-Linear and LPO-MSA compliant, and Semtech positions the family as “purpose-built” for linear interconnect architectures that remove the DSP from optical modules. In data center terms, that’s a direct swing at optical module power and latency, where every watt and every extra nanosecond becomes more painful as link counts rise.
Semtech’s 224G TIA lineup includes the GN1834L, GN1834DL, and GN1838DL. The company says the family offers four- and eight-channel architectures and multiple layout options to fit different module designs. Features called out include integrated on-chip equalization, high linearity, and low noise, which are aimed at maintaining signal integrity for LPO and other next-generation linear optics designs.
On the transmit side, Semtech’s 224G driver family includes the quad GN1877 and octal GN1887. The drivers support Silicon Photonics, Indium Phosphide Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM), and Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) optical transmitters. Semtech also lists tunable gain and output swing, along with a CEI-224G-Linear compliant host-side equalizer intended to cover host interfaces ranging from compact NPO/CPO to longer LRO/LPO/XPO trace lengths.
Both the TIA and driver families integrate real-time link monitoring and telemetry. Semtech ties that to proactive diagnostics to reduce optical link flapping and improve network reliability, a practical feature when you’re operating large fabrics where intermittent optical issues can be hard to isolate and can cascade into noisy incidents.
Availability varies by part number: GN1834L, GN1834DL, and GN1887 are available now, while GN1838DL and GN1877 are expected in April 2026.
Semtech’s optical product page has additional context on the portfolio.
Source: Semtech
